Interfaith Worship Services Nancy Fonseca

A SCOUT IS REVERENT 2

Why include religious services in Scouting? BSA Charter and By-Laws Absolutely – Non-sectarian Religious Instruction ultimately the responsibility of the home and religious institution. Read the BSA Charter and By Laws: TheCharter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America recognize the religious element in the training of the BSA’s members, but the BSA is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Religious instruction is ultimately the responsibility of the home and religious institution. The BSA maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. BS Handbook: 11th Edition A Scout is Reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He Wonders all around us remind us of our faith in God. We find it in the tiny secrets of creation and the great mysteries of the universe. It exists in the kindness of people and in the teachings of our families and religious leaders. We show our reverence by living our lives according to the ideals of our beliefs. Throughout your life you will encounter people expressing their reverence in many different ways. The Constitution of the United States guarantees each of us complete freedom to believe and worship as we wish without fear of punishment. It is your duty to respect and defend the rights of others to their religious beliefs even when they differ from your own. 3

Religious Principle The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no person can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, acknowledges the religious element in the development of youth members. However, the BSA is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious development. Its policy is that the organization or institution with which youth members are connected shall give definite attention to their religious life. Only adults willing to subscribe to this declaration of principle and the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership. 4

Boy Scout Handbook A Scout is reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Boy Scout Handbook A Scout is reverent Wonders all around us remind us of our faith in God. We find it in the tiny secrets of creation and the great mysteries of the universe. It exists in the kindness of people and in the teachings of our families and religious leaders. We show our reverence by living our lives according to the ideals of our beliefs. Throughout your life you will encounter people expressing their reverence in many different ways. The Constitution of the United States guarantees each of us complete freedom to believe and worship as we wish without fear of punishment. It is your duty to respect and defend the rights of others to their religious beliefs even when they differ from your own. 6

What is an Interfaith Worship Service? Baden Powell – November 1928 Big effect To the pace of youngest Cheery Understandable prayers Good address –which grips the boys Short and meaningful The explanation provided by Baden-Powell is as valid today as when he wrote it. For an open troop, or for troops in camp, I think the interfaith worship service should be open toall denominations, and carried on in such manner as t offend none. There should not be any special form, but it should abound in the right spirit, and should be conducted not from any ecclesiastical point of view, but from that of the boy. Everything likely to make an artificial atmosphere should be avoided. WE do not want a kind of imposed church parade, but a voluntary uplifting of their hearts by the boys in thanksgiving for the joys of life, and a desire on their part to seek inspiration and strength for greater love and service for others. An interfaith worship service shouldhave as big an effect on the boys as any servic in [their place of worship], if conducting the interfaith worship servie we remembre that boys ar not grown men, and if we go by the pace of the youngest and most uneducated of those present. Boredom is not , nor will it breed religion. To interest the boys, the interfaith worship service must be cheery and varied function. Short hymns [three verses are as a rule quite enough – never more than four]; understanding Prayers; a good address from a man who really understands boys [a homely “talk” rather than an address] which grips the boys, and in which they may laugh or applaud as the spirit moves them, so that thy take a real interest in what is said. If a man cannot make his point to keen boys in ten minutes, he ought to be shot! If h has not got them keen, it would be better not to hold an interfaith worship service at all. ---Baden Powell The Scouter Nov. 1928 7

Planning a service Choose the setting Planned, timed and rehearsed Parts of the Service Courteous, kind, reverent Rights and feelings of others Everyone may participate Setting that lends itself to the occasion and promotes reverence – a grove of trees, a site with a view of a lake, pond, brook, etc. For small groups sitting in a circle can be a very effective arrangement. Everything must be in good taste The service should be planned, timed, and rehearsed [gen. 30 minutes] Parts of Service: Called to Worship, Songs/Hymns, Scripture Readings for a vaiety of religious or inspirational passages Responsie reading, personal prayer, Group prayer, Inspirational reading or mesg., offering [World Friendship Fund], An act of friendship, Benediction or closing. Those attending should be courteous, kind, and reverent. They should respect the rights and feelings of others even if their beliefs and religious practices differ from their own. Everyone in attendance should have opportunity to participate, if they wish, through responsive readings, silent and group prayer, singing, etc. 8

Diversity Unit composition Seek suggestions, participation Inspirational passages “Scout’s Own” now interfaith worship service Interfaith Universal Nature of a service DIVERSITY Scouts practice many faiths, and many units ate composed of Scouts from a variety of faiths. When this is the case during a Scout outing, ask them to suggest materials, to participate in the planning, and to assist in leading the service. If the group represents a mixture of religions, you may choose to use inspirational passages instead of particular religious materials. 9

TAKE HOME POINTS Include opportunities Encourage participation Share uniqueness Planning – simple/complex Support and respect all faiths Hymns Offering Be positive In BSA outings and activities should include opportunities for members to meet their religious obligations. Encourage Scouts and Scouters to participate. Event the opportunity to share the uniqueness of various faiths, beliefs, and philosophies with other members may be educational and meaningful. Planning and carrying out religious activities can be as simple or complex as planners choose to make them. Care must be taken to support and respect all the faiths represented in the group. Note: for example, that certain hymns and songs, as well as certain scriptures, are offensive to some Scouts. Also, the concept of an offering is foreign to some religions; and to others, carrying money on the Sabbath is forbidden. If services for each faith are not possible, then an interfaith, nonsectarian service is recommended. Scout leaders can be positive in their religious influence without being sectarian. 10

Have you seen the light? True or False The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. 11

Religious principle Answer: TRUE: The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no person can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, acknowledges the religious element in the development of youth members. However, the BSA is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious development. Its policy is that the organization or institution with which youth members are connected shall give definite attention to their religious life. Only adults willing to subscribe to this declaration of principle and the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership. 12

Have you seen the light? 2. Choose the correct answer(s) The 12th point of the Scout Law includes the following responsibilities: a. personal religious obligations b. duty to country c. respect for the beliefs of others d. all of the above 13

Boy scout handbook Answer: a and c. A Scout is reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. Wonders all around us remind us of our faith in God. We find it in the tiny secrets of creation and the great mysteries of the universe. It exists in the kindness of people and in the teachings of our families and religious leaders. We show our reverence by living our lives according to the ideals of our beliefs. Throughout your life you will encounter people expressing their reverence in many different ways. The Constitution of the United States guarantees each of us complete freedom to believe and worship as we wish without fear of punishment. It is your duty to respect and defend the rights of others to their religious beliefs even when they differ from your own. 14

Have you seen the light? 3. Choose the correct answer(s) The word “nonsectarian” means a. nondenominational b. ecumenical c. not affiliated with any specific religion d. all of the above 15

“absolutely nonsectarian” Answer: c. A non-denominational service: is for Protestants, possibly appropriate for all Christians. An ecumenical service: one suitable for the whole Christian church. A nonsectarian service: one not affiliated with any specific religion. Correct answer c Three main branched of Christianity: the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Eastern Church, the Protestant churches. 16

Have you seen the light? 4. Choose the correct answer(s) Which of the following could be a violation of a religious belief? recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America removing one’s hat when indoors and/or during a meal expecting everyone to taste a particular food attending a program event or activity on a Saturday drinking coffee, tea, or cola asking for a financial donation at a worship service 17

Have you seen the light? Answer: All the above could be a violation. 5. True or False In accordance with their agreement with the Boy Scouts of America, some churches sponsoring Scouting units can require members of their units to participate in religious ceremonies and services distinctive to that church. 18

BSA By-laws: Answer: False “In no case where a unit is connected with a church or other distinctively religious organization shall members of other denominations or faiths be required, because of their membership in the unit, to take part in or observe a religious ceremony distinctly unique to that organization or church.” 19

Have you seen the light? 6. True or False An interfaith worship service is one that all Scouts and Scouters may attend. It requires careful planning to ensure that it does not violate the beliefs of any religion. Answer: True 7. True or False Some religions have specific requirements that cannot be fulfilled through an interfaith worship service. Other arrangements might be necessary for Scouts of those faiths to fulfill such commitments. 20

Planning Recognize the universality of beliefs in God. Be considerate when choosing any scripture reading, prayers, hymns, etc. Welcome the opportunity to share the various religious beliefs of members. Appreciate our religious diversity. 21

Have you seen the light? 8. True or False Of the eight major religions in the world, all are represented in the BSA’s religious emblems program. Answer: False 22

Religious Emblems Religious emblems are not Scouting awards. Religious emblems for Scouts to earn in: Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, [multiple Christian faiths, have their own program or awards.] Islam. Not presently in: Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism. Religious emblems are not Scouting awards. 23

Have you seen the light? 9. Choose the correct answer(s) “Duty to God” and “religious duties” are in: a. The Cub Scout Promise b. The Law of the Pack c. The Scout Oath d. The Scout Law e. The Venturing Oath f. The Venturing Code g. All of the above Answer: all except b. 24

A Scout’s duty to God … is done by “following the wisdom of those teachings every day and by respecting and defending the rights of others to practice their own beliefs.” — Boy Scout Handbook. When in a non¬sectarian group, Scouters should ensure that Scouts from a variety of religions have the opportunity to offer a prayer in the manner of their custom. Some Scouters choose to sidestep the issue by offering a non¬sectarian grace like the Philmont grace, which may be recited in unison for every meal. 25